News 2006: Kent Team Targets Podium Result at Brands Hatch

A podium finish is being targeted by Wrotham team Motorbase Performance when it makes its Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut in front of live ITV1 cameras at Brands Hatch on 9 April.

Team principal David Bartrum believes a top three finish is possible, after the team got its hands on one of the best cars in the business - one of last year's title-winning Honda Integras - for driver Dave Pinkney.

"We've got a great chance to be up there," says Bartrum. "We're under no illusions - it's going to be very tough. The BTCC is as big as it gets in UK motor racing, but Dave has got previous BTCC experience, the Integra is a proven winner and a lot of people in the team have prepared front-running BTCC cars in the past.

"I suppose our best opportunity will be the third of the three races on the Sunday which is going to be live on ITV1. The grid is the finishing order of race two, but with the top positions reversed. If we can sneak inside the top ten in race two then we could be at the front for the start of race three. I think that's a realistic target and it's one we have to aim for."

Brands Hatch is the first of ten BTCC race meetings in 2006 that will be contested around the UK and Ireland by Britain's top teams and drivers chasing the country's most prestigious motor racing title.

Among the leading teams will be Team Halfords, Vauxhall, SEAT and Team RAC with their big name drivers such as Matt Neal, Jason Plato, James Thompson, Fabrizio Giovanardi, Tom Chilton, Rob Collard and Colin Turkington.

Bartrum, though, says his team won't be overcome by the occasion. He adds: "We're most definitely not here just to make up the numbers and we want to put on a good show for the local crowds. Of course we'll learn a few new tricks, but I'm confident we'll give a good account of ourselves. The plan is to expand to a two-car BTCC team for 2007 - if we achieve that, then we'll have really made it."

Crowds at Brands Hatch on 9 April will get to see the BTCC in race action three times, plus another eight supporting races from high-profile championships put on by top car manufacturers BMW, Porsche, Renault and SEAT. The pit lane will also be opened free of charge to spectators and families to meet the BTCC drivers and grab give-aways during a special autograph session.